Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Malachi Toney distinguished himself as one of the most explosive offensive players in college football despite being one of the youngest players in the country last season. Toney was instrumental in Miami’s run in the College Football Playoff, which culminated in a National Championship Game appearance against the Indiana Hoosiers.
On Tuesday, it was revealed that Toney is one of the three players on the cover of the College Football 27 video game, and his G.A.B.O.S. eye-black is featured prominently on the cover. What does it mean?
What Does Malachi Toney’s G.A.B.O.S. Eye-Black Mean?
The Miami wide receiver is on the cover alongside Ole Miss Rebels running back Kewan Lacy and Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore.
Front and center on the cover is Toney with his G.A.B.O.S. eye-black, which stands for “Game Ain’t Based On Sympathy.”
In an interview on the “Nxt Round” podcast, Toney detailed how he chose his now-famous eye-black.
“I wouldn’t say it was a specific moment,” Toney said. “It happened right after the touchdown I scored… I was just like, ‘G.A.B.O.S. Game ain’t based on sympathy!’ … To me, it’s a lifestyle. It really ain’t just about football. It’s the way you carry yourself and not just thinking other people owe you sympathy or they gotta feel bad for you. You just go out there and take what you want. Do what you gotta do.”
“Game Ain’t Based On Sympathy” is the title of a Rick Ross track from his 2017 album “Rather You Than Me” and it gained popularity as an expression.
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Last season, Toney tallied 1,211 receiving yards on 109 receptions and 10 touchdowns, earning a CFB WR Impact Score score of 86.0, which ranked second among all WRs in the nation. He finished the season as the FBS leader in receptions and broke Miami’s single-season reception record in the process.
The all-around offensive star added one rushing touchdown and two passing TDs along with his dazzling skills as a punt returner to keep the Hurricanes’ offense purring. While their quest for a national championship came up short, he was a huge reason that the Hurricanes advanced as far as they did.
Toney was named the ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year and the ACC Rookie of the Year, and he is poised to become the main target for talented quarterback Darian Mensah next season as the Hurricanes seek to get over the hump and win the national championship.
